Can Body Take-Away Assembly for Vertical Ram Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional can bodymakers with horizontally oriented rams face issues such as ram droop, mis-alignment, and limited production capacity, leading to quality problems and the need for multiple machines to meet production quotas, which can be mitigated by adopting a vertically oriented ram system.
Innovation Solution
A can body take-away assembly for a vertically oriented reciprocating ram system, including a drive assembly and gripping assemblies that reorient and transport can bodies from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, enabling efficient processing and increased production capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a horizontally oriented reciprocating ram system is used, then the cup feeder can rely on gravity to position cups, but the ram experiences droop and mis-alignment leading to quality problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal ram orientation to a vertical orientation. This inversion eliminates ram droop and mis-alignment issues while maintaining gravity-assisted cup positioning. The vertical ram system processes cups in an upright position, fundamentally changing the spatial arrangement to resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
2Device complexity
If a horizontally oriented ram system is used, then the construction can be relatively simple, but production capacity is limited requiring multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal to vertical ram orientation, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase production capacity. The vertical configuration allows for stacked or multi-level cup processing, enabling a single machine to handle higher volumes without significantly increasing horizontal footprint or construction complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a vertically oriented reciprocating ram system is used, then alignment is maintained and production capacity increases, but a mechanism is needed to reorient can bodies from vertical to horizontal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a can body take-away assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the vertical ram system and the horizontal conveyor. This assembly includes gripping members that selectively engage can bodies and transfer them from vertical to horizontal orientation. The intermediary mechanism resolves the orientation mismatch while preserving the benefits of the vertical ram system.
4Productivity
If multiple machines are used to meet production quotas, then production capacity increases, but the need for multiple machines and associated complexity can be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single vertical ram system: cup positioning, forming, and can body ejection. The integrated system includes a cup feeder, vertical ram with punch, die assembly, and take-away assembly all working in coordination. This consolidation achieves high production capacity in one machine, eliminating the need for multiple separate machines and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A can body take-away assembly (18) for a can body maker (10), with a vertically oriented, reciprocating, elongated ram assembly (250) and a domer (500) is provided. The take-away assembly (18) includes a drive assembly (600) and a can body transport assembly (670). The drive assembly (600) includes a motor (602) and a support member (604). The take-away assembly motor (602) is operatively coupled to said support member (604) and structured to move said drive assembly support member (604) in a generally horizontal direction. The can body transport assembly (670) includes a number of gripping assemblies (672). Each gripping assembly (672) is coupled to said drive assembly support member (604). Each gripping assembly (672) includes a number of pairs of opposed gripping members (680) sized to grip a can body (2).